Magic Factory 1/35 scale Iron Dome Air Defense System plastic model kit review

Magic Factory has faithfully recreated the Iron Dome air defense system as its first 1/35 scale plastic model kit. Built specifically for Israel, in a partnership between Raytheon and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the weapon has been operational since 2011 and used to intercept short-range rockets and artillery. The U.S. announced its interest in the Iron Dome’s capabilities, and the Raytheon-Raphael team introduced the SkyHunter system in answer. The kit includes markings for both the Iron Dome and SkyHunter versions.

Assembly begins with the main platform, which is built from support-beam sections with keyed locators, making correctly fitting the parts a breeze. The main model is built from gray plastic, but there is a fair amount of photo-etched brass (PE) sprinkled throughout. Used for scale accuracy, the PE bends and fits exceptionally well, making this kit a great starter for someone looking to gain experience using PE.

The weapons platform can be built in either firing or transportation mode. When built in the firing position, you build the stabilizer legs and hydraulic pistons that lift the missile unit from an aluminum tube with a plastic part that fits very snuggly into the tube; I didn't even need to glue them.

I was able to build and attach parts, like the missile unit and the datalink antenna, after everything was finished. They fit so tightly into place I have them removable for easier and safer transportation.

Two types of decals come in the kit: traditional and "film-free.” This is the first time I used decals with removable carrier film. Smaller decals were easier to place and spread over an area, but they aren’t truly film-free: The color areas have film, just a lesser amount. What worked best for me (after some experimenting) was to apply a thin layer of Microscale Micro Sol on the model before putting the film-free decal down and then removing the carrier film the next day. After removal, I went over the decals with additional Micro Sol where needed. The film for the traditional decals was slightly thick, and there was a bit too much around the markings themselves. I got them to settle down with Micro Sol.

I enjoyed building Magic Factory’s 1/35 scale Iron Dome plastic model kit from start to finish. Building and painting took about 20 hours. It would make a fun and unique model for anyone with a few armor builds to their name.